High school teacher arrested for improper relationship with student

Police say teacher Sarah Madden Fowlkes, 26, is suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old male student at Lockhart High School.(Credit Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office)

LOCKHART, Texas (KEYE) - The Lockhart Police Department says a female teacher at Lockhart High School turned herself in after they issued a warrant for her arrest for an improper relationship with a male student.

Police say Sarah Madden Fowlkes, 26, is suspected of having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old male student at the school.

According to Lockhart ISD, administrators were told of the report on Friday, March 10, just before spring break.

Interviews determined that the student had been in contact in person and by message with Fowlkes, and that during their encounters Fowlkes engaged in sexual contact with the student.

Superintendent Susan Bohn emailed Lockhart High School parents on Monday, notifying them of Fowlkes' arrest and suspension.

“Lockhart parents entrust their children to us every day, and it is something we do not take lightly. Student safety is the district’s most important priority,” said Bohn. “As soon as we learned of the report, we acted swiftly to involve law enforcement and CPS to conduct a thorough investigation. The district does not and will not tolerate any improper communication or contact between a teacher and child.”

Lockhart ISD says Fowlkes has been with the district since 2014.

According to Fowlkes' bio on the Lockhart High School website, she taught Anatomy and Physiology and Environmental Systems, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from St. Edward's University.

The bio also states she previously taught third and fifth grade at Plum Creek Elementary in Lockhart ISD.

“Fowlkes will not return to the school district,” said Bohn in a statement.